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PNS Daily Newscast - March 19, 2018

Facebook under the gun for failing to disclose misused data of 50 million Americans during the 2016 election. Also, on our Monday nationwide rundown; a new study shows e-cigarettes are harmful to teens; and it is Poison Prevention Week – a good time to dispel some myths.

The 'Incalculable' Role Bugs Play in Our World

Bugs such as the beetle are integral to rejuvenating soil, also making them vital to people who work the land. (miss Murasaki/Flickr)

September 13, 2017

PIERRE, S.D. – Insects don't get the respect they deserve, but author David MacNeal is highlighting their importance and diversity in his new book, "Bugged: The Insects Who Rule the World and the People Obsessed with Them."

MacNeal says bugs aren't living in our world – we're living in theirs. There are 1.4 billion bugs for every human on Earth.

Recently, views of one insect in particular, bees, have changed and more people recognize their importance.

South Dakota beekeepers understand their value: In 2016, bee colonies produced a honey crop worth more than $34 million.

But MacNeal says other bugs are vital to our economy as well.

“These two entomologists calculated, 'OK, besides pollination, what other services do insects provide?'” he relates. “And they put that number around $57 billion (a year).

“However, the incalculable figure was decomposition – recycling nutrients. I mean, who knows how much that would cost.”

MacNeal says the work of beetles and other insects in processing dead matter and rejuvenating soil is perhaps the most crucial and overlooked role bugs play. It's especially crucial for people who work on the land.

MacNeal describes bugs as bio-indicators for the planet. In other words, when we look at the health of insects, we can understand how the environment is doing.

"The more we look at them – which we are now, more so than ever – the better chances of future generations actually casting aside their aversion and appreciating insects as this kind of gateway to nature - really, this mediator between man and nature," he states.

MacNeal says bugs could play an even more vital role in the future, possibly becoming widespread as snacks because they're a good source of protein.

Medicine, too, could benefit. MacNeal says there is research into the use of scorpion venom in the treatment of brain tumors.